Proverbs 10:20 — Word Study
WLCכֶּ֣סֶף נִ֭בְחָר לְשׁ֣וֹן צַדִּ֑יק לֵ֖ב רְשָׁעִ֣ים כִּמְעָֽט׃
BSAThe tonguelâshôwn [language, speech] of the righteoustsaddîyq [just, upright] [is] choicebâchar [refined, pure] silverkeçeph [wealth, treasure] [but] the heartlêb [mind, will] of the wickedrâshâʻ [morally wrong, evil] [has] little worthmᵉʻaṭ [small amount, insignificant, value, importance]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| כֶּ֣סֶף | [is] silver | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| נִ֭בְחָר | chosen | Verb, Niphal, participle (active) masculine singular |
| לְשׁ֣וֹן | [the] tongue of | Noun common, both singular construct |
| צַדִּ֑יק | [the] righteous | Adj |
| לֵ֖ב | [the] heart of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| רְשָׁעִ֣ים | wicked [people] | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| כִּמְעָֽט׃ | [is] like a little | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth. |
| KJV | The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. |
| ASV | The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver: The heart of the wicked is little worth. |
| YLT | The tongue of the righteous [is] chosen silver, The heart of the wicked — as a little thing. |
| WEB | The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked is of little worth. |
| BBE | The tongue of the upright man is like tested silver: the heart of the evil-doer is of little value. |
Where they part company is צַדִּ֑יק — see How Translations Differ.
A main clause followed by a contrasting clause, highlighting the difference between the righteous and the wicked.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbבָּחַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 10:20
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Contrast of Righteousness and Wickednessgenerated
Proverbs 10:20 presents a vivid contrast between the tongue of the righteous and the heart of the wicked. The righteous are depicted as possessing valuable speech, akin to refined silver, while the wicked's heart is described as having little worth. This verse is part of a larger discourse in Proverbs that contrasts the characteristics and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the moral implications of their words and intentions.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:18 | Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:4 | A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:13 | Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved. |
| 4 | Proverbs 25:11–12 | A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. |
| 5 | Matthew 12:35 | The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — נִ֭בְחָר, Niv.chorgenerated
The word נִ֭בְחָר (Niv.chor) is a participle from the verb בָּחַר (bachar), meaning 'to choose' or 'to select.' It suggests that the tongue of the righteous is not only chosen but also refined and pure, indicating a quality that is superior and valuable.
This term emphasizes the deliberate choice of words by the righteous, reflecting their moral character. The Niphal form indicates that this quality is bestowed upon the tongue, suggesting divine approval or selection.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against. The BSB has choice, which aligns with the KJV and ASV that also use 'choice' to describe the silver of the righteous.
Where translations differ is in the rendering of צַדִּ֑יק. The KJV and DRA use just, while the BBE opts for upright. This reflects subtle nuances in understanding the moral quality of the righteous.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause centers on the finite verb כֶּ֣סֶף, [is] silver, with a noun phrase subject לְשׁ֣וֹן צַדִּ֑יק, [the] tongue of the righteous, and a contrasting clause describing the heart of the wicked. The structure emphasizes the comparison between the two subjects.
The Hebrew word order places the righteous first, highlighting their value, while the heart of the wicked follows, indicating its lesser significance. This arrangement reinforces the moral lesson being conveyed.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, כֶּסֶף is rendered as ἄργυρος (arguros), which also means silver, maintaining the idea of value and wealth. This choice aligns with the Hebrew meaning, emphasizing the worth of righteous speech.
The translation of נִ֭בְחָר as πεπυρωμένος suggests a refined quality, indicating that the tongue of the righteous is not only chosen but also tested and proven, enhancing the understanding of its significance.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 10:20 tells us that the speech of the righteous is like valuable silver, while the heart of the wicked is of little value. This verse highlights the importance of words and character, contrasting the worth of the righteous with the wicked.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It indicates that the words spoken by the righteous are valuable and beneficial, reflecting their moral integrity.
This suggests that the intentions and thoughts of the wicked are insignificant and morally deficient.
It emphasizes the contrast between righteousness and wickedness, encouraging wise speech and moral living.
Our words can reflect our character and have significant impact, thus we should strive to speak wisely and righteously.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I ensure that my words reflect righteousness and integrity?
- How can I discern between wise speech and foolish speech in my daily conversations?
- What are some examples of how my words can impact others positively or negatively?
- How does understanding the value of speech influence my interactions with others?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss the moral implications of speech. Here, a quotation from Shenoute the Archimandrite illustrates this point.
When I read the Proverbs today, I began with this sentence: “The tongue of the righteous is tried silver.” I said, If the tongue of the righteous is choice silver, the tongue of the wicked is most polluted.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 10 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 10:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe tongue of the just [is as] choice silver,.... Which utters things precious, pure, pleasant, and profitable; things for worth and value as choice silver; the doctrines of the Gospel, the power of
Read John Gill on Proverbs 10 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 10 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleAs choice silver; of great worth and use, bringing credit to himself, and much benefit to others. The heart, and consequently the tongue, which speaketh out of the abundance of the heart, .
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 10 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 10:20 The tongue of the just [is as] choice silver: the heart of the wicked [is] little worth.Ver. 20. The tongue of the just is as choice silver.] He scattereth "pearls," he throws abroad "treasure," even "apples of gold in shrines of silver." "I will turn to the people a pure language," saith God, a "lip of excellency," the language of heaven. As William the Conqueror sought to bring in the French tongue here, by enjoining children to use no other in schools, lawyers to practise in French; no man was graced but he that spake French, &c. The heart of the wicked is little worth.] Est quasi parum, is as little as need to be. He is ever either hatching cockatrice’ eggs or weaving…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 10 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 20. The heart of the wicked is little worth] כמעט kimat, is like little or nothing; or is like dross, while the tongue of the just is like silver. A sinner's heart is worth nothing, and is good for nothing; and yet because it is his most hidden part, he vaunts of its honesty, goodness, c.! Yes, yes it is very honest and good, only the devil is in it! that is all.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 10 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges20. tongue … heart] The force of the antithesis lies in these two words: even the tongue of the one, but the very heart of the other.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 10 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe tongue, the instrument of the mind is contrasted with the heart or mind itself, the just with the wicked, the choice silver with the worthless “little,” the Hebrew word being possibly taken in
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 10 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible20. Tongue of the just — The words, discourse. Choice silver — See Proverbs 8:19. Heart — Intelligence or thought. The heart and the tongue have a common relation to discourse in producing it. The one conceives, the other utters.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 10 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.
The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked is of little worth.
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.
What the righteous say is like the best silver, but what the wicked think is of little value.
Tyndale line
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver: The heart of the wicked is little worth.
The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
The tongue of the iust man is as fined siluer: but the heart of the wicked is litle worth.
Strictly literal
The tongue of the righteous [man] is [as] choice silver; the heart of the wicked is little worth.
The tongue of the righteous [is] chosen silver, The heart of the wicked — as a little thing.
The tongue of the righteous [is] chosen silver, || The heart of the wicked—as a little thing.
[Like] choice silver is the tongue of the righteous: the heart of the wicked is worth but very little.
The tongue of the righteous person is pure silver; there is little value in the heart of the wicked.
From the Latin
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: but the heart of the wicked is nothing worth.
Simplified
What good people say is like the best silver, but the mind of the wicked isn't worth much.
The tongue of the upright man is like tested silver: the heart of the evil-doer is of little value.
Word by word, the decisions they made
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text of Proverbs 10:20 states, 'The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.' The Septuagint aligns closely with this verse, as all seven words match in a word-by-word correspondence, indicating agreement in meaning. However, the Septuagint's word order and articles differ from the Hebrew text, reflecting its own syntactical structure. There are no significant differences in meaning noted among the ancient witnesses for this verse.
כֶּ֣סֶף נִ֭בְחָר לְשׁ֣וֹן צַדִּ֑יק לֵ֖ב רְשָׁעִ֣ים כִּמְעָֽט׃
7 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 10:20
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) refers to silver and money, derived from a root meaning 'to be pale.' It encompasses various aspects of silver, including its use as a metal, ornament, and a measure of wealth or value. The term appears in contexts related to payment and price, indicating its significance in transactions.
כֶּ֫סֶף 402 n.m. silver, money
= silver ore, raw silver
silver as bright, shining
silver, as wealth
silver as spoil of war
silver as merchandise
silver as costly gift
silver as material
silver as measure of weight and value
among vbs. and phr.
base
H3701 כֶּ֫סֶף silver, money
3701 keceph keh'-sef
from 3700; silver (from its pale color); by implication,
money:--money, price, silver(-ling).
see HEBREW for 03700
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) — silver: money.
: money/payment/silver
1) silver, money
1a) silver
1a1) as metal
1a2) as ornament
1a3) as colour
1b) money, shekels, talents
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) — silver: price.
: price
1) silver, money
1a) silver
1a1) as metal
1a2) as ornament
1a3) as colour
1b) money, shekels, talents
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
sil'-ver (keceph; argurion, arguros): Silver was known in the earliest historic times. Specimens of early Egyptian and Babylonian silver work testify to the skill of the ancient silversmiths. In Palestine, silver objects have been found antedating the occupation of the land by the Hebrews. This metal was used for making all kinds of ornamental objects. In the mound of Gezer were found bowls, vases, ladles, hairpins, rings and bracelets of silver. The rings and settings for scarabs or seals were commonly of this metal. The first mention of silver in the Bible is in Ge 13:2, where it says that Abraham was rich in cattle, in silver and gold. At that time it was commonly used in exchange in the form of bars or other shapes. Coins of that metal were of a much later date (Ge 20:16…
Silver
Used for a great variety of purposes, as may be judged from the frequent references to it in Scripture. It first appears in commerce in Gen. 13:2; 23:15, 16. It was largely employed for making vessels for the sanctuary in the wilderness (Ex. 26:19; 27:17; Num. 7:13, 19; 10:2). There is no record of its having been found in Syria or Palestine. It was brought in large quantities by foreign merchants from abroad, from Spain and India and other countries probably.
In very early times silver was used for ornaments, (Genesis 24:53) and for vessels of various kinds. Images for idolatrous worship were made of silver or overlaid with it, (Exodus 20:23; Hosea 13:2); Habb 2:19 Bar. 6:39, and the manufacture of silver shrines for Diana was a trade in Ephesus. (Acts 19:24) But its chief use was as a medium of exchange, and throughout the Old Testament we find "silver" used for money, like the French argent . Silver was brought to Solomon from Arabia, (2 Chronicles 9:14) and from Tarshish, (2 Chronicles 9:21) which supplied the markets…
One of the precious metals and the one most commonly used as coin among all nations. It is first mentioned in Scripture in the history of Abraham, Ge 13:2 20:16 23:16, and was used in constricting the tabernacle, Ex 26:19,32, and afterwards the temple, 1Ch 29:4. In employing it as a medium of trade, the ancient Hebrews weighed it out, instead of having coins. In the times of the New Testament there were coins. See SHEKEL, and MONEY.
בָּחַר (bachar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to choose or select. It encompasses actions like examining and trying, indicating both divine and human choices. The word can appear in various forms, such as being chosen or selected. It is used in contexts of making decisions, often with specific prepositions indicating the nature of the choice.
בָּחַר vb. choose
Qal
with בְּ,
divine choice
man’s choice
with אֲשֶׁר:
divine choice
man’s choice
with acc. & לְ, choose some one or something for
with acc. and מִן, choose, select from
acc.
divine choice
man’s choice
with עַל, for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction
with לְ of acc. chosen
test, try
Niph. to be chosen
Pu. chosen, selected
base
H977 בָּחַר examine, try .. examine, scrutinize, try
. prove, test, try
. to be tried, proved
. the trial has been made
977 bachar baw-khar'
a primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. (by implication)
select:--acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent,
join, be rather, require.
בָּחַר (ba.char) — to choose.
1) to choose, elect, decide for
1a) (Qal) to choose
1b) (Niphal) to be chosen
1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
V-Niphal — Verb · Niphal · participle (active) masculine singularHVNrmsa
cho'-z'-n.
See CHOOSE.
Chosen
Spoken of warriors (Ex. 15:4; Judg. 20:16), of the Hebrew nation (Ps. 105:43; Deut. 7:7), of Jerusalem as the seat of the temple (1 Kings 11:13). Christ is the “chosen” of God (Isa. 42:1); and the apostles are “chosen” for their work (Acts 10:41). It is said with regard to those who do not profit by their opportunities that “many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt. 20:16). (See ELECTION.)
The Hebrew word לָשׁוֹן (*lashon*) primarily means 'tongue,' referring to both the organ of speech in humans and animals. It can also denote 'language' and has figurative uses, such as a 'tongue-shaped' wedge or bay. The entries highlight its literal and metaphorical applications, but do not present any significant disagreements among the lexicons.
לָשׁוֹן n.m. and (more oft.) f. tongue
tongue of men
= language
tongue of animals
tongue of fire
= (tongue-shaped) wedge of gold
= (tongue-shaped) bay of sea
base
H3956 לָשׁוֹן tongue . tongue of men
. = language
. tongue of animals
. tongue of fire
. = (tongue-shaped) wedge of gold
. = (tongue-shaped) bay of sea
3956 lashown law-shone'
or lashon {law-shone'}; also (in plural) feminine lshonah
{lesh-o-naw'}; from 3960; the tongue (of man or animals), used
literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech),
and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of
water):--+ babbler,bay, + evil speaker, language, talker,
tongue, wedge.
see HEBREW for 03960
לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue.
: tongue/words
1) tongue
1a) tongue (of men)
1a1) tongue (literal)
1a2) tongue (organ of speech)
1b) language
1c) tongue (of animals)
1d) tongue (of fire)
1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue: language.
: language
1) tongue
1a) tongue (of men)
1a1) tongue (literal)
1a2) tongue (organ of speech)
1b) language
1c) tongue (of animals)
1d) tongue (of fire)
1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue: bar.
: bar/projection/bay
1) tongue
1a) tongue (of men)
1a1) tongue (literal)
1a2) tongue (organ of speech)
1b) language
1c) tongue (of animals)
1d) tongue (of fire)
1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
N-cs — Noun common · both singular constructHNcbsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
צַדִּיק (tsaddiyq) means just or righteous, covering various aspects such as lawful behavior, moral conduct, and being justified by God. It is derived from a related root and is used to describe individuals who are upright in character and actions.
צַדִּיק 206 adj. just, righteous
base
H6662 צַדִּיק just, righteous
6662 tsaddiyq tsad-deek'
from 6663; just:--just, lawful, righteous (man).
see HEBREW for 06663
צַדִּיק (tsad.diq) — righteous.
1) just, lawful, righteous
1a) just, righteous (in government)
1b) just, right (in one's cause)
1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character)
1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God)
1e) right, correct, lawful
Adj — AdjHAamsa
The Hebrew word לֵב (lev) means 'heart' and encompasses the inner man, mind, will, and emotions. It refers to the center of feelings, intellect, and moral character, as well as the seat of appetites and courage. The entries suggest a broad range of meanings related to human experience and thought, with a specific mention of its use in Jeremiah 51:1.
לֵב 599 n.m. (f.) inner man, mind, will, heart
seldom of things in the midst of the sea
elsewhere of men
the inner man in contrast with the outer
the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
specific reference to mind
spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will
spec. ref. to conscience
[various]
for the man himself
as seat of appetites
as seat of emotions and passions
seat of courage
base
לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash Je 51:1.
ref
H3820a לֵב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the sea
. elsewhere of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer
. the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
. specific reference to mind
. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will
. spec. ref. to conscience
. [various]
. for the man himself
. as seat of appetites
. as seat of emotions and passions
. seat of courage
H3820b לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash
3820 leb labe
a form of 3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very
widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect;
likewise for the centre of anything:--+ care for, comfortably,
consent, X considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-),
(hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart((-ed)), X
heed, X I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), X regard((-ed)), X
themselves, X unawares, understanding, X well, willingly,
wisdom.
see HEBREW for 03824
לֵב (lev) — heart.
1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding
1a) inner part, midst
1a1) midst (of things)
1a2) heart (of man)
1a3) soul, heart (of man)
1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
1a6) conscience
1a7) heart (of moral character)
1a8) as seat of appetites
1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
לֵב (lev) — Leb.
§ Leb- = "heart of"
(probably a cryptic name for Babylon by Atbash)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
רָשָׁע (rasha`) refers to someone who is wicked or criminal, encompassing meanings such as guilty and ungodly. It is derived from a root that implies moral wrongdoing. The term is used to describe individuals who are hostile to God or guilty of sin against others.
רָשָׁע 263 adj. wicked, criminal
base
H7563 רָשָׁע wicked, criminal
7563 rasha` raw-shaw'
from 7561; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad
person:--+ condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did
wrong.
see HEBREW for 07561
רָשָׁע (ra.sah) — wicked.
1) wicked, criminal
1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst)
1b) wicked (hostile to God)
1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Adj — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
מְעַט (m`at) refers to something that is small in quantity or degree, encompassing meanings like 'a little' or 'few.' It can be used adverbially to indicate a small amount or to describe something as almost or hardly. The term is derived from a root meaning 'to be small' and is associated with concepts of littleness and fewness.
מְעַט 101 subst. a little, fewness, a few
base
H4592 מְעַט a little, fewness, a few
4592 m`at meh-at'
or miat {meh-awt'}; from 4591; a little or few (often
adverbial or compar.):--almost (some, very) few(-er, -est),
lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some,
soon, X very.
see HEBREW for 04591
מְעַט (me.at) — little.
1) littleness, few, a little, fewness
1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little
1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa